10/30
23rd Annual Meeting of the Minds – Key West
Parrot heads worship at the feet of Jimmy Buffet. With over 200 clubs across the United States, they have become a strong network of devoted fans whose main mission is to enjoy life, Buffet, and margaritas. Since Key West is the island inspiring many of Buffet’s hits, the 23rd annual Meeting of the Minds brings several thousand parrot heads to the Conch Republic for a weekend full of music and a focus on charitable, environmental, educational, and humanitarian activities. Being a parrot head is as much about promoting a tropical lifestyle as it is about enjoying Buffet’s music. Various times and locations throughout Key West. 33040.
10/31
Wicked Manors – Fort Lauderdale
Wilton Manors’ annual Halloween celebration is always a racy, festive experience, with the entire Wilton Drive strip blocked off in order to let drag queens, scantily clad muscle gays, and battered leather bears run amok. This year’s festivity includes a flash mob dancing to Rick James’ classic “Super Freak.” Bar events include Village Pub’s Neil Patrick Harris look-a-like contest, Rumor’s Psycho Circus, and Bill’s Growl Freak Show. The theme of the entire night is actually “Freak Show.” Music will be provided by the Hits 97.3 FM and proceeds support vital programs and services provided by The Pride Center. 7:00 p.m. Wilton Drive. Wilton Manors. 33305.
Sweeney Todd – Jacksonville
Stephen Sondheim’s Tony award-winning musical Sweeney Todd tells the story of the demon barber of Seville—a wrongfully exiled barber who seeks revenge against the lecherous judge who framed him. Soon, though, his thirst for blood includes his customers. A resourceful baker connects with him and, together, they concoct a new “ingredient” for meat pies. This highly acclaimed musical has been performed often and was made into a popular Tim Burton film. Unlike the film, the musical will artfully suggest violence. 7:30 p.m. Amelia Musical Playhouse. 1955 Island Walkway. Fernandina Beach. 32034.
11/1
Culture in the Grove – Miami
Miami has somehow grown into one of the art centers of the entire United States. With Wynwood’s popularity and the internationally famous Art Basel, Miami’s art reputation is currently flourishing. Now even Coconut Grove is in on the action with their Fashion + Art + Music (F.A.M.) nights, which continue every first Saturday of the month. These evenings include opened art galleries, trunk shows at boutiques, and live music filling the streets. Many different local artists, musicians, and vendors will be on hand while exhibitions and activities promote fashion, poetry, and crafts. 7:00 p.m. Coconut Grove. 3300 SW 27th Ave. Coconut Grove. 33133.
Wiz Khalifa – Tampa
Cameron Jibril Thomaz, better known by his stage name Wiz Khalifa, burst onto the rap music scene in 2011 with his chart-topping debut single for Atlantic Records “Black and Yellow.” Other classic singles from Cameron include “Work Hard, Play Hard” and “Remember You.” The self-professed pothead (who spends $10,000 a month on cannabis) is also known for his marriage to supermodel Amber Rose—something that is in the process of being terminated, with Amber having filed divorce papers a month ago. 7:00 p.m. University of South Florida Sun Dome. 4202 E Fowler Ave. Tampa. 33620.
11/2
America’s Got Talent Search – Tampa
Much like its predecessor American Idol, America’s Got Talent helps launch the careers of different talented individuals of all walks of life. Singers, acrobats, magicians, jugglers—anyone with a certain special gift can possibly win the national, televised competition. Before you have to square off against other finalists in front of Howie Mandel, Howard Stern, Mel B, and Heidi Klum, though, you must prove your skills during the audition stage, which happens all day today at the Tampa Convention Center. 8:00 a.m. Tampa Convention Center. 333 S. Franklin St. Tampa. 33602.
11/3
Susan Boyle – Fort Lauderdale
Despite her emotional, breakthrough performance of “I Dreamed a Dream,” Susan Boyle was actually not the winner of Britain’s Got Talent. It didn’t matter, though—her YouTube clip made her an overnight sensation. She has already had two Grammy nominations and five albums. A few years ago, she was overwhelmed by the pressure of her fame, yet she seems ready to tackle the world again. This is her first US tour and her only South Florida stop. 7:30 p.m. Broward Center for the Performing Arts. 201 SW Fifth Ave. Fort Lauderdale. 33312.
11/4
Melvins – Orlando
Punk metal band Melvins have had a storied history in the music world. They helped introduce Kurt Cobain to Dave Grohl, thus creating classic grunge band Nirvana. The popularity of Nirvana allowed Melvins to sign with Atlantic Records and release their own middling successful three albums. Their latest album Hold It In was released in mid-October and features two new members: Paul Leary and Jeff Pinkus of the Butthole Surfers. 8:00 p.m. The Social. 54 N. Orange Ave. Orlando. 32801.
11/5
Author Tim Dorsey Signing – Tampa
The former Tampa Bay Tribune journalist has found fame writing nihilistic books full of sex, drugs, and graphic violence. His first book, Florida Roadkill, deals with sociopathic main character Serge Storms and his trek across Florida doing drugs and killing people. Dorsey has over seventeen books published, with many critics comparing his work to Carl Hiassen and Dave Barry. His most recent novel is named Tiger Shrimp Tango. He will be answering questions and signing copies of the novel. 6:30 p.m. Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library. 2902 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa. 33618.
Photo of Wicked Manors 2013 by Stephen Kuttner.
